Top 10 reasons to visit Suffolk

By Claire Owen

Its mouthwatering seafood

Seafood doesn’t get much better than this. Take advantage of the outstanding delicacies on offer in the county, from the oysters at Pinneys of Orford to the fresh lobster for sale on Aldeburgh Beach. You’ll rarely come across fresher, more sumptuous seafood.

Its natural beauty

Suffolk is blessed in so many ways when it comes to scenic pockets of nature. You’ve got the resplendent coast and gorgeous forests just waiting to be explored, not to mention its chocolate box towns and villages. There is beauty all around you here.

Enjoy time on Suffolk’s peaceful wetlands

Its welcoming people

Visiting Suffolk is a little like going back in time – in a very good way. You’ll invariably be greeted with a smile and a friendly ‘hello’, no matter where you are in this fantastic part of the world.

Its hidden gems

Did you know that Suffolk has its own moated manor house? Helmingham Hall was built in 1480 by John Tollemache, and his family still own it today. Its gardens are Grade 1-listed; look out for majestic red deer wandering the grounds.

Its fascinating history

In all four corners of Suffolk, you’ll discover a rich heritage. With castles and cathedrals, malthouses and guildhalls, there is a plethora of captivating stories to be told across the county.

Its calendar of events

Whether you’re into folk music, literature or cooking up a storm, there’s a celebration of your passion taking place in Suffolk. Latitude, the Felixstowe Book Festival and the Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival are just three diary favourites which draw the crowds every year.

Its remarkable wildlife

Keep your eye out for some of Suffolk’s impressive wildlife during your stay. The county has a number of nature reserves, including Bradfield Woods near Bury St Edmunds – keep an eye out for emerald damselflies, dormice and great crested newts.

Its architecture

You would be hard pressed to find finer buildings than those dotted around Suffolk. Don’t miss Lavenham Guildhall or the House in the Clouds in Thorpeness – and make sure you visit the Ancient House at Clare, whose history can be traced back all the way back to 1473.

Lavenham is full of Tudor architecture

Its activities for kids

Even if you have the most fussy child, you’re sure to find them something fun to do in Suffolk. There’s a huge range of farms to take them to, for example – check out Hollow Trees Farm near Ipswich, which gives youngsters the chance to get up close and personal with our animal friends.

Its commitment to the arts

Suffolk is a very artistic county, as evidenced in the myriad quirky outlets of creativity like Alder Carr Craft Centre in Creeting St Mary, the Lime Tree Gallery in Long Melford and Southwold Art Gallery. It’s enough to make you want to pick up a paint brush yourself!

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